MONACO TRADITION

The first Red Cross Ball in Monaco was organised by the ruling Prince of Monaco, Louis II in 1948. Since then it has traditionally hosted charity concerts, auctions and dinner parties. Monaco has always lived in the spirit of pacifism and coope ration; its rulers throughout history strove for the peaceful solution of problems and were famous for their charity and assistance to neighbouring countries. That is why the Red Cross became so widespread on the Côte d’ Azur. The mission of the young Monegasque organisation was, in fact, to continue the work of the great humanist Henry Dunant who created the Red Cross in 1863. By creating this charity, Dunant aspired to bring first aid to the wounded in battle or injured soldiers returning from the front. He himself was struck by his view of the battlefield after he had taken part in the Battle of Solferino. Henry Dunant was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901 for his work and for his creation of the Red Cross.

The young Prince Rainier III became President of the first Red Cross Ball. He officially opened the ball, greeting the guests and presiding over the whole ceremony. This was new to the Principality— a head of state being actively involved in a charity event. Thus began the history of the Red Cross Ball in Monaco.

Maurice Chevalier was the Star of the first Red Cross Ball. And every year the programme grows more and more impressive. Famous and notable guests honour the evening with their presence and organisers seem to surpass themselves from year to year. For example, in 1952 it was opened by a Christian Dior catwalk show and in 1953 Zizi Jeanmaire, a French ballet dancer and singer, performed on its stage.

HSH Prince Rainier III, 1950

HSH Prince Rainier III and The Princess Grace, 1957

The Red Cross Ball, 1961

The Gala receives important donations due to its scope, programme and excellent menu prepared by the best French and Italian chefs. A dinner per person costs an average of 1,200 euros.

Ten years after its creation, the Red Cross Ball changed its President. It was now Princess Grace of Monaco who carried out her mission with the utmost zeal and dedication. During the years of her presidency of the organisational committee, the ball was attended by celebrities such as Ella Fitzgerald( 1959), Sammy Davis Jr.( 1961), Charles Trenet( 1962), Sacha Distel( 1963), Gilbert Bécaud( 1968), Charles Aznavour( 1970) and Shirley Bassey( 1971).

1974 was important for the Red Cross Ball, as this year the venue was transferred to the newly built Monte-Carlo Sporting Club. Since then, every summer the princely family continues to host the largest charity event in its now famous Salle des Etoiles. This is where

Monaco Red Cross Gala, 2017

All the collected funds go to the Red Cross of Monaco Foundation. Organisers claim to collect about 500,000 euros per year.

HSH Prince Albert II and HSH The Princess Charlene of Monaco

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